IDF Soldier Detained After Assisting Shepherd Attacked Near West Bank Settlement

An IDF soldier serving in a reconnaissance unit was detained over the weekend after responding to an attack on a shepherd near the Alon Road in the West Bank. According to the legal rights organization Honenu, the soldier was on leave when he came to aid the shepherd, who was assaulted by Arab assailants from the nearby village of Al-Mu'ayer. The incident reportedly began shortly before the start of the Sabbath, with dozens of attackers throwing stones and setting off fireworks at the shepherd. Security forces and local farmers, including the soldier, were called to the scene. Honenu states the soldier waited for IDF forces to arrive and did not fire any weapon. The IDF dispersed the attackers using stun and tear gas grenades, and the shepherd returned safely to his farm.

During the night, residents of Al-Mu'ayer claimed a child was injured by gunfire during the event. Honenu alleges that a media outlet associated with the village published the soldier's photo accusing him of shooting, which the organization denies. Attorney Nati Rom, representing the soldier, condemned the detention, emphasizing that the soldier acted to help the shepherd and was arrested without having been questioned by police. Rom called for the soldier's immediate release and urged an investigation into the child's injury and the sources of the false accusations against his client.